41 JUNE 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Implementing a Behavior-Based Safety Program Compiled by Editorial Staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource® The root causes of incidents are not always obvious, but they are often caused in some part by one or more unsafe behaviors. Behavior-based safety awareness can help to change unsafe behaviors in the workplace. A successful behavior-based safety program (BBS) is made of four key components: P Observation - Because behavior-based safety is about correcting unsafe behavior before it causes an incident, observing how employees do their duties is the first step. Observers need to be employees who have training in conducting on-site safety reviews, are experienced in the tasks they are observing, and should be respected by their coworkers. Observation periods should be announced to employees ahead of time so they are not perceived as a trap. Observation is critical when categorizing unsafe behaviors and safety issues. Depending on the work environment, actions like personal protective equipment (PPE) use, procedures, chemical use, fall protection, ergonomics, etc. must all be observed. P Checklists - Checklists can help guide the employee conducting an observation. For example, in a driving observation, the checklist might include the use of seatbelts or turn signals, and make note of any distracters. P Feedback - Feedback should be given both during and after the observation. During an observation, feedback is important because praising good behavior as it happens encourages people to continue those practices. Similarly, the observer may want to interrupt and correct unwanted or unsafe behavior as they see it happen to help break bad habits. After the observation is complete and all feedback has been given, the observer should send notes from the observation to the appropriate team so actions can be taken to ensure the good behavior continues. It is important to remember the goal of a BBS program is to correct, rather than punish, unsafe behavior. One way to ensure behavior-based safety is not used for discipline is to send observation data to a BBS team of people from all levels of the company, rather than only one group. P Goals - Goals are an important part of any plan. An example goal to implement may have 100% of employees wear the proper PPE by the end of the quarter. Whatever is decided, each goal needs to be attainable and sustainable, or there is a risk of everyone involved becoming discouraged. Having manageable goals with a clear plan of action will make a BBS program more likely to be a success. In addition to these four elements, there must also be a company-wide desire to implement a BBS program. Without open communication and a shared interest, employees may feel the program is just another directive from management. On the other hand, if leadership does not believe a BBS program will be successful, they may not take employee feedback seriously. BBS thrives in a top-down approach. Seeing the participation and the engagement of upper management will likely have a positive impact on the participation of workers. A great example of BBS is when an employee sees an unsafe action and brings it to the attention of their safety leader. It is vital workers are listened to and comforted in knowing they can speak up about any risks they encounter. All too often, successes are not celebrated. It cannot be overstated that when successes occur, the team should be rewarded with some sort of recognition for a job well done. Achieving safety goals is a cause for celebration, and every manager needs to remember to pause for a moment and allow the team to be recognized for its accomplishments. Because behavior-based safety involves all levels of the company, it puts the responsibility for safety on everyone, not just one person or team. Everyone working together to create a safer workplace makes safety policies feel like a collaboration, which makes employees more likely to follow them. It also creates a culture that focuses on safe behaviors. With a BBS program in place, new hires will have safety as part of their training and initial impressions, rather than something they need to learn later. BBS Action Plan P Observation P Checklists P Feedback P Goals 2023 NDA Convention September 13-15 Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa Lexington, KY For more information call: 877-632-4748 or visit: www.nda4u.com Exhibitor & Sponsor Opportunities are Available! President’s Dinner with Awards and Entertainment • Golf Outing • Presentations for CE Credits • Cornhole Tournament • Outdoor Static Displays • And More. PLEASE SUPPORT the VALUED ADVERTISERS who make it possible for us to produce this ORIGINAL RESOURCE for you monthly. We cannot do it without them and without you, our VERY VALUABLE READERS! Thank you. The WWDR Team
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